Personal Development Mentor (U Turn) – Dumfries

Apex Scotland is the leading employment and training organisation specialising in work with offenders, ex-offenders and young people at risk.

We are now looking to recruit 2 x part-time,Personal Development Mentors(PDM) to join our team in Dumfries. The team offers a diverse range of services for young people and adults to help them break down barriers to employment and engage in community activities. We are advertising the posts as two part time posts at 17.5 hours each, however if the right candidate can demonstrate the skills needed for both services, we will consider applications for both services, equating to a full-time 35 hour post. Most of our work is carried out between Monday to Friday office hours, however there may be occasional out of hours working required.

We are looking for enthusiastic and dynamic individuals who have effective communication skills and an understanding of the nature of issues that the client group may present with. You must possess the ability to empathise and build trusting relationships with the client group.

The right candidate(s) will have an aptitude for developing and delivering innovative group sessions. An understanding of the Criminal Justice system would be beneficial, as would knowledge of the network of support agencies in the area. You would need to demonstrate flexibility and the ability to deal with challenging situations.

The U Turn service works with volunteers in the community to help them gain confidence and grow as individuals. A driving license is essential for this post as some local travel, possibly using our minibus will be required.

This post is currently funded to 31 March 2017.

For either (or both) posts you will have good communications skills, be approachable and compassionate and have knowledge or experience of mentoring approaches. Experience of working with vulnerable people who may be experiencing difficult times is desirable. For the U Turn post, an interest in working in the community as well as knowledge or experience of working with groups to help them achieve their goals would be an advantage.

In view of the nature of this post and the requirement to work with children and vulnerable adults, this post holder will be required to join the relevant PVG schemes.